How Lipitor Lowers Cholesterol
Lipitor (atorvastatin) inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that limits cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduces intracellular cholesterol levels, triggering upregulation of LDL receptors on liver cells. The increased receptors bind and clear LDL cholesterol from blood, lowering circulating LDL by 40-60% at typical doses.[1]
Effects on Other Lipids
It also decreases triglycerides by 20-40% via reduced VLDL production and raises HDL cholesterol by 5-15% through less cholesterol ester transfer protein activity.1
Mechanism in Lipid Metabolism Pathway
In the mevalonate pathway, blocking HMG-CoA reductase cuts production of cholesterol precursors, shifting metabolism toward uptake from plasma rather than de novo synthesis. This primarily affects hepatic lipid handling without major impacts on peripheral tissues.2
[1]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430940/